Are you sitting comfortably..? Step 1 - Pelvis
Get the pelvis into a neutral position
This is probably the most important rule because the position of the pelvis affects every other part of your body.
Try and get your bottom as far back in the chair as you can comfortably.
Some people find having their bottom too far back makes them feel uncomfortable and sitting up too straight can make them feel unbalanced. If that applies to you, talk to your therapist or wheelchair specialist as you may need a chair that gives you more support.
To find out if your pelvis is in the correct position, put your thumbs on the top bony ledges just below your waist. They should be:
- directly under your shoulders
- at the same height as each other
- in line with the backrest of the chair
Using a hoist
Being hoisted into a chair can make getting into a good position difficult but it is worth spending a few minutes getting this right. Talk to your carers and ask them to take a few extra minutes to position you in the way we have suggested in this book. It is especially important for your carers to check the position of your pelvis. Sitting in a better position will allow you to do more for yourself and make your body easier to move. Someone who is left in a comfortable position may have fewer spasms so they don't need repositioning quite so often. A few minutes extra at the start of the day can make a great deal of difference.
Next page - Step 2 - Equal weight - Get the weight equal on both sides